The human skin has a surface area of approximately 1 to 1.5 square meters and is far more than merely a protective barrier. Your skin is a living organ, with various purposes and benefits. The skin regulates excretion of metabolic waste products, it regulates and adjusts temperature, and includes numerous receptors for detecting pain, tactile sensation, and pressure. The health and external appearance of the skin correlates directly with the lifestyle, health and dietary habits of each individual, in addition to critical age-related contributing factors such as hormonal changes and imbalance.
The skin plays a vital role in the social and visual experience, as it can clearly give away an individual's age and reflects the consequences of ageing. Skin ageing is influenced by various internal & external factors such as:
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Oxidative stress
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Tobacco abuse
- Environmental pollution
- Physical and Mental Stress leading to fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Hormone levels
- Increase in body weight leading to constant rise in blood sugar levels leading to glycation
- Inflammation in the body/skin
- Chronological ageing
- Genetics
Each individual has different genetic makeup and lifestyle habits, this will contribute to changes in normal physiological functions within the skin, and may lead to decline by 50% by middle age.
Within the skin, ageing is associated with various biological changes: a loss of fibrous tissue, slower rate of cellular renewal, and a reduced vascular and glandular network.
Barrier function to protect the skin and maintains cellular hydration also becomes impaired. The subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) flattens, particularly affecting the face, hands and feet.
To prevent rapid deterioration of youthful skin, action needs to be taken to support the skin's intrinsic defence systems. Fortunately, through the latest scientific innovations and practices, it is possible to dramatically slow down, and potentially reverse, the signs and symptoms of accelerated skin ageing by addressing the Pillars of Anti-Ageing.